Location: Eau Claire, WI•In-State Tuition: $4,724•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,917
Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,268
95th percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$13,500
38% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.29 ManageableSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Chippewa Valley Technical College's networking program produces impressive early earnings—$47,268 puts graduates well above both national and state medians—but the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these outcomes could shift significantly year to year. For context, this beats 95% of similar programs nationally, though it ranks middle-of-the-pack among Wisconsin's 18 networking programs, far behind Madison Area Technical College's $65,324.

The financial structure works strongly in students' favor. With just $13,500 in median debt (about $8,000 less than typical for this field), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29—meaning they owe less than four months' salary. Earnings also grow steadily, reaching $55,927 by year four, a healthy 18% increase that suggests stable career progression in Wisconsin's IT sector.

The caveat here is the small sample size, which makes these numbers less reliable than those from larger programs. But the fundamentals are sound: low debt, above-average starting pay, and consistent growth. If your student can handle the uncertainty of limited data, this program offers a practical path into networking with minimal financial risk.

Where Chippewa Valley Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally

Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeOther computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Chippewa Valley Technical College earns $47k — 95th percentile among computer systems networking and telecommunications associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Chippewa Valley Technical College$47,268$55,927+18%
Western Technical College$45,381$60,209+33%
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College$42,729$52,829+24%
Fox Valley Technical College$37,984$50,547+33%
Herzing University-Madison$43,901$49,816+13%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (18 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire$4,724$47,268$55,927$13,5000.29
Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison$4,780$65,324———
Western Technical CollegeLa Crosse$4,716$45,381$60,209$15,8320.35
Herzing University-BrookfieldBrookfield$13,420$43,901$49,816$30,6490.70
Herzing University-MadisonMadison$13,420$43,901$49,816$30,6490.70
Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha$13,420$43,901$49,816$30,6490.70
National Median—$43,276—$21,8740.51

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Chippewa Valley Technical College, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.